FPI SupNIR-1200 Portable Near-Infrared Spectrometer

Overview

The FPI SupNIR-1200 Portable Near-Infrared Spectrometer is an engineered field-deployable analytical instrument designed for real-time, non-destructive compositional analysis of bulk solid materials under ambient conditions. It operates on the principle of diffuse reflectance near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, utilizing a fixed grating spectrometer architecture with a silicon and extended InGaAs detector array to cover the 1000–1800 nm spectral range—encompassing key overtones and combination bands of C–H, O–H, and N–H functional groups. This spectral window enables quantitative and qualitative assessment of moisture, protein, starch, oil, fiber, and other organic constituents in heterogeneous samples without sample preparation. The instrument employs a bottom-illuminated optical path configuration, minimizing stray light interference and enhancing signal stability across variable surface textures and particle geometries. Its compact form factor (≤350 mm × 250 mm × 120 mm), integrated high-capacity Li-ion battery (rated for ≥8 hours continuous operation), and ruggedized housing meet IP54 environmental protection standards for dust and water resistance—making it suitable for use in grain elevators, processing lines, mobile laboratories, and outdoor storage facilities.

Key Features

• Optimized diffuse reflectance optical design with fixed-focus, bottom-illumination geometry for consistent probe-to-sample coupling
• High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR > 10,000:1 at 1500 nm, 1s integration) enabled by thermoelectrically stabilized InGaAs detector array
• Bluetooth 5.0 wireless interface compliant with Android OS 9.0+ for remote instrument control and real-time spectral acquisition
• Onboard flash memory (16 GB) with automatic local caching of raw spectra, calibration models, and metadata
• Pre-calibrated chemometric models available for common agricultural commodities (e.g., wheat, corn, soybean, rice) per ISO 12099:2017 and AACCI Method 76-15
• Support for user-defined model import/export in .csv and .nirs binary formats compatible with Unscrambler® and MATLAB® toolchains

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SupNIR-1200 is validated for direct measurement of intact, unprocessed solids including granular grains, milled flours, pelleted feed, dried herbs, and pharmaceutical tablets. It accommodates sample volumes from 10 g to 500 g in standard sample cups (diameter: 50 mm; depth: 25 mm), with optional accessories for conveyor-belt or chute-mounted deployment. All factory-installed calibrations are traceable to NIST SRM 1920a (Near-Infrared Reflectance Standard) and verified per ASTM E1655–22 guidelines for multivariate calibration validation. The device complies with IEC 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility in industrial environments and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions. Data integrity protocols align with GLP requirements, including operator ID logging, time-stamped spectral records, and audit-trail-enabled model version control.

Software & Data Management

The companion Android application—SupNIR Connect—provides full instrument orchestration: spectrum acquisition, baseline correction (Savitzky-Golay smoothing, multiplicative scatter correction), spectral preprocessing, and real-time prediction using embedded PLS regression models. All spectral data and results are encrypted (AES-256) during Bluetooth transmission and optionally synchronized to secure cloud repositories via TLS 1.3. Cloud integration supports multi-site calibration sharing, centralized model retraining using federated learning frameworks, and role-based access control (RBAC) for QA/QC supervisors. Raw data exports include wavelength-calibrated intensity arrays, prediction confidence intervals (±1 SD), and residual diagnostic plots—facilitating method transfer validation per USP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with electronic signature modules.

Applications

• Grain receiving & storage: Rapid moisture and protein screening at intake points to enforce contractual specifications (e.g., USDA FGIS Grade Standards)
• Feed mill quality assurance: In-line verification of nutrient composition (lysine, fat, ash) in compound feeds prior to packaging
• Food processing: Monitoring starch gelatinization degree in extruded snacks or moisture uniformity in baked goods
• Agricultural extension services: On-farm analysis of fertilizer efficacy through leaf NIR reflectance indices (e.g., NDVI analogs)
• Pharmaceutical excipient verification: Identity testing and assay of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and mannitol in blend uniformity studies

FAQ

What spectral resolution does the SupNIR-1200 achieve across its 1000–1800 nm range?
The instrument delivers an optical resolution of ≤12 nm FWHM (full width at half maximum) across the entire spectral range, calibrated using mercury-argon emission lines per ISO 17025-accredited procedures.
Can calibration models be updated or transferred between multiple SupNIR-1200 units?
Yes—models are stored in portable .nirs format and can be imported/exported via USB OTG or cloud sync; inter-unit transfer requires spectral response normalization using built-in reference tile measurements.
Is the device suitable for regulatory submissions under FDA or EU MDR frameworks?
When operated within a validated environment—including documented IQ/OQ/PQ, change control logs, and electronic record retention—the SupNIR-1200 supports data generation compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 requirements.
How is temperature drift compensated during extended field operation?
The spectrometer incorporates dual-point internal temperature monitoring (detector and optical bench), with real-time dark-current subtraction and wavelength recalibration triggered automatically every 30 minutes or upon ±2°C ambient shift.